Supplier Newsline

Woodland Equipment founding partner Wayne Gilroy passes

Born in Red Deer, Alberta on May 31, 1943, he spent many of his early years hop-scotching all over B.C. His early adult years were spent mainly in Chilliwack, Merritt and Vancouver, where he eventually met his wife, Carol.

Wayne’s early years were spent working as a heavy-duty mechanic. He later moved into equipment sales at Interior Diesel, Ritchie Brothers, and finally taking a leap to become a founding partner at Woodland Equipment.

Wayne was a very hard worker and truly valued the relationships he had with his customers and the companies he represented.

Waratah showcases new FL100 felling head at Truck Loggers show

Waratah Forestry Equipment has released a new, large felling head model, the FL100, which was showcased at the annual Truck Loggers Association (TLA) Convention and Trade Show in Vancouver in January.

“The high-capacity Waratah FL100 gives our customers the benefit of added productivity in a very capable head,” said Brent Fisher, product marketing manager for Waratah. He added that they wanted to showcase its many features at the Truck Loggers show especially, since this versatile felling head will be extremely beneficial for loggers within the western Canada region.

New features on the FL100 that contribute toward maximum productivity include continuous rotation and dual rotate motors that enable high rotation power requirements. As a large class of directional felling head with a 1m (39.3”) cut capacity, the FL100 also features extra-long, continuously curved opposing arms for enhanced grapple capacity and picking capability and a 1470mm (57.8”) opening and 0.78 m2 (8.4 ft.2) payload capacity.

The FL100’s forward placed saw unit allows for easier cutting of larger timber. For power in small or large capacity loads, the FL100 has one cylinder per arm plus a synchronizing link for maximum grapple holding force and control.

In addition to maximized productivity, the FL100 has a robust and sturdy design for increased durability. Its one-piece, welded, high-strength steel frame is coupled with large pin diameters and a grapple geometry with an arm profile designed to handle various sizes of timber.

As an added bonus, the FL100’s grapple force remains high even with its arms at capacity. For simplified integration, the FL100 has a valve in-head design. Its fixed saw box design also contributes toward increased durability in a variety of applications.

The FL100 utilizes proven Waratah saw system components, some rotate components and electrical and oiler systems, while providing extended uptime with a variety of new features. For improved serviceability, the chain oil capacity is 35L, and a large chain oil reservoir minimizes frequent top ups.

The new machine can also adapt to any carrier and provides efficient pump control, hydraulic system protection and required safety/service lock-outs for added uptime and efficient serviceability.

“We are always looking for opportunities that improve our customers’ productivity,” Fisher said. “The FL100 does exactly that. We’re excited for our customers to enjoy the benefits of this new machine.”

Deere launches powerful FS50 and FR50 felling heads

John Deere has added the FS50 and FR50 felling heads to its felling head line-up.

The FS50 and FR50 felling heads build upon the successful qualities of previous models for increased productivity, range and visibility. The new felling heads are compatible with the 800M- and 900M-Series tracked feller bunchers and feature 30 degree and 310 degree wrist configurations respectively.

The FS50 and FR50 also feature superior alignment of bunched timber for optimal logging and harvesting. The new felling heads provide a taller horn that works together with the pocket and arms to collect larger, tighter bunches. The horn delivers excellent handling of tall trees, which improves skidder productivity during tree removal, the company says. Both models also include arm cylinders mounted high for wear protection of the saw housing, and can easily hold up to 15, 6” trees.

The FR50 configuration maximizes versatility when positioning bunches in both plantation and thinning conditions due to the increased rotation.

Additionally, the FS50 and FR50 models provide excellent visibility to the cutting area and superior wear protection of saw housing. A full coverage option is available for both models, and for the FR50 model, sealed bushings in all clamp arm pivot joints are available.

Tigercat gains foothold in biochar production with ROI purchase

Logging equipment manufacturer Tigercat has completed the purchase of Ragnar Original Innovations (ROI) located in New Hampshire. The company, founded by Anders Ragnarsson, currently manufactures material processing machinery used in the construction, forestry and recycling industries.

ROI brings decades of experience and expertise in the design and manufacture of material processing machinery, broadening Tigercat’s range of capabilities within the marketplace.

The initial and immediate addition to the Tigercat line-up will be the Carbonizer product line. Already a commercially available product, this innovative carbon negative technology can convert processed and unprocessed wood debris into a product called biochar.

Still relatively new to the marketplace, this technology has attracted widespread interest from both the private and public sectors seeking practical methods to reduce atmospheric carbon emissions. The Carbonizer’s single step process sequesters carbon and significantly reduces debris volume while creating a product useful in agriculture.

New 50cc Husqvarna chainsaws set a new standard

Husqvarna has unveiled the company’s next generation of 50cc chainsaws for professional loggers, the Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II and the 545 Mark II.

The chainsaws were redesigned from scratch, resulting in a new level of cutting capacity, maneuverability and endurance, optimizing them for forestry harvesting and urban forestry applications, including felling, limbing, removals or cross cutting of small and mid-sized trees.

The cooling capacity of the Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II and Husqvarna 545 Mark II has been improved by 13 per cent, compared to the previous generation of 50cc chainsaws from Husqvarna.

For further endurance, the 50cc chainsaws have a new air filter design. The new design comes from the combination of a redesigned air filter with higher capacity and improved sealing and an upgrade of the Air Injection. This in turn means the saws are equipped with a new optimized version of AutoTune, Husqvarna’s ignition module software and carburetor calibration.

“We’ve been in business since 1988, and over 31 years later we are still looking for ways to grow our business and provide better products and support to our ever-changing markets,” says Dan Kielan, President of Falcon Equipment. “To do this, we need to offer our customers the best range of products and unmatched service and parts. Working with Palfinger will enable us to accomplish this goal.”

The company has five branch locations in Nanaimo and Surrey, B.C., Leduc, Alberta, Regina, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg, Manitoba

EACOM and USW reach six-year agreement at Timmins sawmill

The United Steelworkers union and EACOM Timber Corporation have ratified a new six-year collective agreement for EACOM’s Timmins, Ontario sawmill.

“The speed at which we reached this agreement is a testament to the level of collaboration and trust between both parties and our willingness to arrive at a mutually beneficial solution,” says Wade Zammit, Chief Operating Officer at EACOM. “Our people are at the centre of our operations and the focus we place on taking care of them is what makes the sawmill such an attractive place to work.”

“Members of the United Steelworkers Local 1-2010 are satisfied with the agreement that was presented to them, as it was ratified,” says Jacques Jean, President of the United Steelworkers Local 1-2010. “As always, the union is looking for an agreement that is fair and beneficial for both parties and we believe that this was achieved during this round of negotiations.

“Now it’s time to continue building on and improving the already good relations, communication, trust, and collaboration between the parties,” added Jean.

EACOM employs 160 people at its Timmins mill and regional administrative centre, 110 of whom are members of the United Steelworkers.

Jonathan Comber joins Carbotech team

Pierre Lafond, head of Carbotech project management, has announced the appointment of Jon Comber to the position of Project Manager at the company. This announcement supports the growth management plan that was put in place slightly more than a year ago, says Lafond.

Comber will have the main task of taking charge of client projects, from equipment design to installation to implementation on production lines. He will oversee various markets including Canada, the United States and abroad.

With an undergraduate degree in engineering, Comber also has pertinent management experience in manufacturing production and various projects within the forestry industry. He has also supervised infrastructure development and production expansion for a sawmill operation in the northeastern United States over the past few years. His leadership, critical analysis and results orientation, including expertise in sawmill equipment, convinced the company that Jon is the right person to support Carbotech and their clients in numerous projects, said LaFond.

Pro Action Upgrade Kit from Murray Latta Progressive Machine

The Pro Action Upgrade Kit is Murray Latta Progressive Machine’s design to eliminate open drip stacked style motors. With the company’s in-house designed C faced, TEAO, Class 2 Div 2 motors, it is able to offer increased horsepower to both the inside and outside cutter heads.

The fully enclosed greaseable bearings, thermal sensors and independent ventilation system work as a safeguard to monitor temperatures and prevent build-up of heat. Also, the high effciency motor design provides substantial power savings. This kit can be engineered for most styles of planers.

Quadco CEO Dan Webb focusing on customers and service; new service facility to open soon

After several decades working south of the line, the appointment of Dan Webb as President and CEO of Quadco Inc. in 2019 marked a return to Canadian roots for this native of Swan River, Manitoba.

Though he is now based at the company’s head office in Montreal, Webb still has a busy North American travel schedule, visiting dealers and customers for the company’s products, which range from Southstar and Log Max harvesting heads through to Quadco saw teeth and attachments.

Webb has had a 28-year career at Quadco, starting as Southeast U.S. Sales Rep in 1992, and moving up to Southeast Sales and Lexington, South Carolina branch manager, then vice-president of U.S. operations, and vice-president of North American Sales and U.S. operations. Webb was appointed the company’s President and CEO in August 2019.

“It’s been a challenge taking over as President and CEO, but a good challenge,” he said.

Webb was interviewed at the recent Truck Loggers Association (TLA) trade show held in Vancouver in January, and talked about his focus for the Quadco Group.

“We want to keep moving forward and being innovative, and determining how we can best help our customers harvest trees in the next five to 10 years and beyond, with a focus on improving customer service,” Webb said.

He noted that the company has some very loyal customers for its products, but it is important to keep those customers satisfied, and not take their business for granted.

“We have a really good team of people out there looking after our dealers and our customers,” he added, noting an additional focus for the company going forward is to also develop new business.

Customers and dealers will be getting some further support from the Quadco Group with the opening of a 20,000 square foot warehouse/service facility at the Port of Kalama, Washington in April. “This facility marks the first time we will have all three product brands—Quadco, Southstar and Log Max—under one roof, outside of the management office in Montreal,” noted Webb.

In addition to such facilities, it’s also Quadco’s people that deliver solid service every day to customers that distinguish the company. “The key to our success is our employees, and the great products we sell and service,” he says. “I’m very proud of our team—let there be no doubt about it: we are dedicated forest industry people.”

And they are looking to grow their workforce team for the future. “We’re always looking for good service techs and service engineers.” Webb noted that those who work for the company can look forward to solid, and lengthy, careers. Among its 165 employees, the average time an employee has been with the company is 15 years, with some having been with the company for 25 years. There is a wealth of experience among such long time employees, and new employees, with innovative ideas and tech savvy, are building on that very solid foundation.

From the Truck Loggers show, Webb was soon off to another industry show, intent on staying in close touch with the company’s customers. He noted the Quadco Group is in attendance at more than 25 industry shows a year, plus many more association meetings.

“We’re very interested in meeting with our dealers and our customers, and learning from them on an ongoing basis,” he says.

On the Cover:Building components manufacturer Katerra recently opened North America’s highest volume cross-laminated timber (CLT) factory in Spokane Valley, Washington, and Logging and Sawmilling Journal has all the details on the new production facility beginning on page 28. The new plant has an annual manufacturing capacity of 185,000 cubic metres, the equivalent of 13 million square feet of 5-ply panels (Cover photo courtesy of Katerra Inc.).

Advocating safety—in all parts of loggingThe BC Forest Safety Council is a leader in forest safety, and its employees such as Mike Pottinger are great advocates for industry safety, from the bush to the repair shop.

COFI Conference coming up in AprilLogging and Sawmilling Journal outlines the issues and previews the B.C. Council of Forest Industries’ (COFI) annual convention coming up in April in Prince George, B.C., the largest gathering of the forest sector in Western Canada.

Giving ‘er in B.C. logging…Young logging contractors may be in short supply these days, but the ones that are out there, like B.C.’s Brandon Connolly, are extremely effective with their equipment, and are—as Connolly says—“giving ‘er”.

More chips, please!B.C.’s Valiant Log Sort has seen big-time growth in its wood chipping operations, with the closure/curtailment of a number of sawmills, and it has added to its equipment line-up with a new CBI 7544 Flail Debarker and Disc Chipper.

Manufacturing CLT state-side—with Canadian lumberBuilding components manufacturer Katerra has opened a $150 million, high-volume cross-laminated timber (CLT) factory in Washington State—and feedstock, in the form of dimensional lumber, is all coming from Canada.

Breaking down wood—without breaking the bankB.C. custom sawmiller Bob Jerke has discovered how to break down timbers into high volumes of boards without breaking the bank, thanks to a lower cost, manually-operated band sawmill.

Tech UpdateLogging and Sawmilling Journal takes flight with this Tech Update, with a focus on drones in the forest industry.

The Edge
Included in this edition of The Edge, Canada’s leading publication on research in the forest industry, are stories from Alberta Innovates and Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC).

The Last WordThe present may look gloomy for the B.C. Interior forest industry, but it is tackling adversity and planning for the future, explains columnist Jim Stirling.